Pages

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Iran: A Cinematographic Revolution (2007)

I've always been fascinated by Iran and the Iranian people for some reason or another. The Iranian/Persian people have one of the longest recorded histories in the world and with that much history to go on, not to mention the turmoil the country has been through over the last hundred years, and you would think that the country would have it's share of great stories to tell and what better medium than film? The most interesting part of this documentary is the examination of how creativity can flourish or flounder in the face of oppression.

Although the circumstances are very different many point to the strict censorship during the golden age of American cinema as a reason the film industry in America found it's focus. The idea being that having to work within a certain set of rules forces artists to be more creative. The history of Iranian Cinema changed, like everything else in the country, with the Iranian revolution. Very strict rules for filmmakers were put into place and anything from Hollywood was banned. This isolation and limited freedom forced Iranian filmmakers to tell their stories in a way unique in the world and the country's success at international film festivals attests to the fact that it works.

The flip side is of course that of all the talented directors in Iran, none of them have the freedom to create their true visions on film. I think it's an interesting argument for artists to have, but I don't know many that wouldn't choose freedom. I love haiku as much as the next guy, but sometimes you just want to write free verse. If you're interested at all in Iran, cinematic history, or the affects of oppression on art - give this documentary a look.